ORTHOTIC BRACE
First Claim
1. An orthotic brace for a joint comprising:
- a bracing device having first and second portions movable relative to one another; and
a mechanism for placing the bracing device in a first condition in which the first portion has a first resistance to movement relative to the second portion and a second condition in which the first portion has a second, different resistance to movement relative to the second portion, the mechanism being capable of placing the bracing device in a third condition in which the first portion has a third resistance to movement relative to the second portion that is between the first and second resistance.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An orthotic brace (30) for a joint includes a bracing device (40) having first and second portions (42, 44) movable relative to one another and a mechanism (100) for placing the bracing device (40) in a first condition in which the first portion (42) has a first resistance to movement relative to the second portion (44) and a second condition in which the first portion (42) has a second, different resistance to movement relative to the second portion (44). The mechanism (100) is capable of placing the bracing device (40) in a third condition in which the first portion (42) has a third resistance to movement relative to the second portion (44) that is between the first and second resistance.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An orthotic brace for a joint comprising:
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a bracing device having first and second portions movable relative to one another; and a mechanism for placing the bracing device in a first condition in which the first portion has a first resistance to movement relative to the second portion and a second condition in which the first portion has a second, different resistance to movement relative to the second portion, the mechanism being capable of placing the bracing device in a third condition in which the first portion has a third resistance to movement relative to the second portion that is between the first and second resistance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An orthotic brace for a joint comprising:
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a bracing device having first and second portions movable relative to one another; and a mechanism for placing the bracing device in a first condition in which the first portion has a first resistance to movement relative to the second portion and a second condition in which the first portion has a second, different resistance to movement relative to the second portion, the mechanism being capable of placing the bracing device in a third condition in which the first portion has a third resistance to movement relative to the second portion that is between the first and second resistance, the mechanism comprising; first and second brackets integral with the first and second portions of the bracing device; a plurality of force transmission elements positioned between the first and second brackets; a cable extending through the force transmission elements and secured to one of the first and second brackets; an actuator connected to the cable for adjusting the distance between the first and second brackets to vary the compressive force upon the force transmission elements in order to place the bracing device in at least one of the first, second, and third conditions.
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19. An orthotic brace for a joint comprising:
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a bracing device having first and second portions movable relative to one another; and a linkage system for placing the bracing device in a first condition in which the first portion has a first resistance to movement relative to the second portion and a second condition in which the first portion has a second, different resistance to movement relative to the second portion, the linking system being capable of placing the bracing device in a third condition in which the first portion has a third resistance to movement relative to the second portion that is between the first and second resistance, the linkage system comprising; a drive link pivotally connected to the second portion of the bracing device; a driven link rigidly connected to the first portion of the bracing device and pivotally connected to the second portion of the bracing device; a transmission link pivotally connected to the drive link and the driven link; wherein an elastic member is connected to the linkage system, the elastic member having a first position in which the drive link does not impart a moment to the driven link and a second position in which the drive link imparts a moment to the driven link, the first position of the elastic member placing the bracing device in the first condition, the second position of the elastic member placing the bracing device in the second condition.
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Specification